Longtime Bluffton businessman and community leader Harold F. Balmer, 92, of Bluffton died at 12:50 a.m. April 28, 2012 at St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima.
He was born March 15, 1920 in Bluffton to Henry and Emaline (Swaney) Balmer who preceded him in death. His stepmother Elizabeth Amstutz Balmer also preceded him in death.
On Dec. 5, 1943 he married Anna Mullett Balmer and she survives. He was owner/operator of Balmer's in Bluffton. He had served on the village council, was the village treasurer and was active in community activities including the Bluffton Business Men's Association. He was a member of the First Mennonite Church, Bluffton, where he was actively involved in church council as an auditor.
He enjoyed playing tennis until he was 80 years old. He enjoyed actively following his grandchildren's activities. He graduated from Bluffton High School and attended Bluffton College where he played tennis. He was an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II.
Survivors also include three sons Brice (Karen) Balmer of Kitchener, Ontario, Bennett Balmer of Sarasota, Florida, Bradley (Leanne) Balmer of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee; four daughters Beth Froning of Celina, Barbara (John) Watkins of Germantown, Beverly Simon of Bluffton, Bretta (Greg) Smith of Williamstown, West Virginia; 14 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren and a sister Mary (Dwight) McMahan of Dayton.
He was also preceded in death by a brother Ralph Balmer.
Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 1, at First Mennonite Church, Bluffton. Rev. Steven Yoder and Rev. Dr. Brice Balmer officiating.
Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Bluffton. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com Arrangements are entrusted to Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton.
